Dune: Awakening Direct delves into character creation and servers

Funcom has recently hosted a second Dune: Awakening Direct to unveil more details about its upcoming MMO set in an alternate history Dune universe. This direct delves into aspects such as the character creation system, the role of spirituality in the game, and the server structure designed to enhance the seamless MMO experience of Dune: Awakening.

“Dune: Awakening” takes place in an alternate universe where Paul Atreides never existed, and House Atreides survived the attempt on its destruction. This unique setting allows Funcom to craft a distinct narrative within the Dune universe, empowering players to create characters who can shape the world without Paul’s overshadowing presence. The conflict between House Atreides and its adversaries continues on Arrakis, with the Emperor ensuring the uninterrupted flow of Spice.

A central mystery in Dune: Awakening revolves around the disappearance of the Fremen. Their absence leaves behind remnants of their society and creates a power vacuum that various factions are vying to fill. The narrative diverges from the original books and movies, with characters who were supposed to perish still alive and factions advancing their agendas without Paul’s influence.

Players in Dune: Awakening will encounter diverse religious and spiritual beliefs held by different groups, impacting the overarching story of conflicting sects vying for dominance on Arrakis. This dynamic influences gameplay as players navigate the mystical trials of the Fremen and explore varying belief systems, with the player character not assuming the role of the Messiah as Paul did in the original Dune tale.

The character creation process in Dune: Awakening offers extensive customization options to tailor your character’s appearance, with presets available for those eager to jump right into the game. From altering body type to selecting skin tone, hair style, eye color, and more, players can fine-tune their character’s look. Additionally, the creator allows for the addition of freckles, scars, tattoos, and vitiligo.

Following physical customization, players will define their character’s background, including birthplace and caste, which impact dialogue options and starting abilities. The game’s MMO aspect includes multiple servers, allowing players to move between them. The Overland map connects sandbox maps, with expansive areas like the Deep Desert accommodating hundreds of players. Social hubs like Arrakeen and Harko Village offer limited player capacity but plenty of activities and vendors. The starting area, Hagga Basin, can host at least 40 players per server, with players able to select their starting location and coordinate with friends.

The closed beta for Dune Awakening is currently ongoing on PC, with sign-ups available on the Dune: Awakening website.

Source: YouTube